Somerset County Refreshing Nuisance Ordinance

The Somerset Herald reports that the County Commissioners in Somerset County are re-evaluating that county’s nuisance abatement laws and procedures, that have left community members concerned about enforcement. From the September 12 article:

Somerset County officials are expected to amend the county’s nuisance ordinance to add 13 building or property conditions that can be cited by inspectors, and also give authority to write tickets back to the health department.

Currently, the county cannot cite property owners for things such as overflowing septic systems or other unsanitary conditions.

Instead, the health department must file charges through the court system which takes months to resolve, said Mike McIntyre, environmental health director at the Somerset County Health Department.